How Coronavirus (COVID-19) affects you

Message to Whizdom Contractors Regarding Covid-19 Virus

As more cases of Coronavirus (Covid-19) unfold throughout Australia more employers are taking steps to seek guidance around how best to protect workforces and prevent the spread of Covid-19. ​

Whizdom would like to provide assurance to our contractors that we are prepared should the local impacts of Covid-19 change. Our aim is that support for our contractors continues to be provided with no, or minimal, disruption. Whizdom have the technology and capability to work remotely and we have the business continuity planning in place to ensure our contractor's needs will be addressed, and our operations continue.

What if there are stand downs?

This will always be dealt with on a case by case basis however if the business is directed to close by a Government Department the host employer may have to stand contractors down without pay.

If it is possible to continue operating the business by working remotely or from home, it is likely that this time will be paid to the contractor as normal wages rather than unpaid. Again, this will always be dealt with based on individual circumstances and the direction of the host employer.

We would expect for contractors the default position is if you are not working, you will not be paid unless advised otherwise by your department. Whizdom encourage you to have discussions with your hiring manager or host employer as there could be different conditions for contractors as further information is released from Government Departments.

​Current Status

The situation is changing rapidly so it is best to stay up to date with the latest information about the spread of Covid-19 and the steps being taken to slow the spread.

You can read the latest announcements about Covid-19 and up-to-date advice about your situation:

Government Updates through WhatsApp

The federal government has announced a new Covid-19 infomration service for Australians. A WhatsApp account has been set up for government messaging, this will assist you to get accurate and timely information about what is being done by governments around the country.

To access the service, Australians will need to download WhatsApp, then go to an internet browser and visit www.aus.gov.au/whatsapp. Users will be prompted "to learn more about Covid-19 in Australia, by pressing the send button." Information includes "check your symptoms", "support for people and families" and "advice from states adn territories".

Change to Working Conditions

If your working conditions change or you have been requested by the client or Agency to work from home or a remote location, it is your responsibility to advise Whizdom as soon as possible via admin@whizdom.com.au along with the written directions and communication you have received from the client or Agency.

Working from Home Work Health & Safety

A client or Agency may request contractors who can perform their roles from home and have the appropriate IT access conduct their role from home. Once Whizdom have received confirmation from both contractor and client, we will provide you with a link to WorkPro ‘Working from Home Safely’ module, a safety ‘checklist’ and the ‘Privacy’ module.

These modules are designed and built by our workforce compliance partner, WorkPro for the impacts of Covid-19. These modules are used to ensure that all staff regardless of whether they have agreed to regular working from home arrangements already or are directed to work from home for a limited period for any reason, remain safe and healthy.

How to protect yourself and others

Everyone must practise good hygiene to protect against infection and prevent the virus from spreading. For more information on what you can do to help slow the spread of Covid-19 in Australia, please refer to the Department of Health website for guides and advice on:

Free Flu Vaccinations

In this unprecedented time Whizdom would like to offer free flu vaccinations to its employees, contractors and ACT CPBS staff. We have been speaking to the Pharmacist in Kaleen (Gwydir Square) regarding Flu injections for our team.

The Pharmacist has advised that the medical advice for this flu season is to get one injection now and another in August as the season is expected to go through to October and the current vaccine gives approximately four months protection.

We will need an early indication of your interest in taking up this offer so that the Pharmacy can order in enough of the vaccine. To avoid possible delays/difficulties in getting the vaccine we will be arranging the vaccinations for as soon as possible. It would be appreciated if you could respond by return email with your interest in taking up this offer by cob Thursday 27 March. We will be doing a similar thing in August for the second flu vaccine.

Once we have an indication of numbers, we will come back to those who have expressed an interest with the dates the vaccine is available. If you have missed the cut off date, please advise if you would like to take the offer up in August.

**EDIT: Flu vaccines have now finished, Whizdom look to do another round of free flu vaccines in August 2020 so please look out for the information via email or keep an eye on this page for further information.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

We understand the impact of COVID -19 can cause concern so if you are experiencing anxiety or have concerns about personal or work related topics, please feel free to access our EAP service AccessEAP anytime on 1800 818 728.

Thank you for your support during this time. If you have specific questions regarding the emerging situation, please do not hesitate to contact your Contractor Care Manager at admin@whizdom.com.au​